If you are craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s an effortless dish that brings tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich herbs together in one pot. Perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal waiting for you, this stew is a testament to slow cooking magic that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas while nourishing your soul with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each bringing their own unique taste, texture, or color. These essentials work harmoniously to create a balanced and hearty stew that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: For tender, juicy protein that melts in your mouth.
- 4 medium carrots (sliced): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced): Provides creaminess and helps thicken the stew naturally.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Offers subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
- 1 small onion (diced): Builds a savory foundation with gentle sweetness once cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings irresistible aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the stew.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Compliments the chicken with fragrant herbal notes.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary: Infuses a piney freshness that brightens the stew.
- 1 bay leaf: Provides earthiness that gently simmers into the broth.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The hearty liquid base that brings everything together.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the stew’s richness with a subtle tangy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional): Thickens the stew to a luscious consistency if desired.
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end): Offers a pop of green color and a fresh burst of sweetness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds brightness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by adding the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and rosemary over the top, then tuck in the bay leaf. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and spoon in the tomato paste. Gently stir everything just enough to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the veggies or chicken.
Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for 6 to 7 hours. If you are short on time, opt for the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours instead. The goal is for the chicken to become tender and for the vegetables to soften beautifully, infusing that broth with all the comforting, savory goodness you expect from a perfect stew.
Step 3: Thicken and Finish with Peas
If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Then add the frozen peas in the final 15 to 20 minutes—this keeps them fresh and vibrant without losing their texture. Give it one last gentle stir before turning off the heat.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf carefully, taste your stew, and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving to brighten and lift those rich flavors.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A simple yet elegant sprinkle of fresh parsley works wonders, adding a zesty green pop that complements the deep, comforting flavors in the stew. For an extra touch, a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can make your bowl even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that luscious broth. If you want a more substantial meal, serve it over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent option.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls to showcase its homey charm, or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, hearty presentation. You can also finish each serving with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a slight spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if anything, it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Freeze leftover stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave a little room at the top as it will expand. This way, you have an easy, wholesome meal ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1–2 minute increments, stirring between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well but can sometimes dry out more easily than thighs. To keep them juicy, consider checking early for doneness or searing the chicken beforehand to lock in moisture.
Is it necessary to add tomato paste?
Tomato paste adds depth and a subtle tang that enriches the stew’s flavor, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a bit of tomato sauce or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an interesting twist.
How can I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?
Using the natural starch from diced potatoes is one way to achieve thickness. You can also mash a few of the cooked potatoes right in the stew to create a creamier texture without adding extra ingredients.
Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and soften the onions and garlic, then switch to pressure cook for about 10 minutes. Just be sure to adjust liquid amounts if necessary and release the pressure carefully.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and other packaged items to ensure no hidden gluten if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—simple, satisfying, and full of heart. I genuinely encourage you to try it out because once you do, you’ll see how easy it is to create something so comforting and flavorful with just a few wholesome ingredients and a trusty slow cooker. Enjoy every cozy bite!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm, comforting, and hearty meal perfect for any day. Tender chunks of chicken simmer with fresh vegetables and herbs in a flavorful broth, creating an easy-to-make stew that’s perfect for busy schedules. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a satisfying dish that you can enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Thickener and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, rosemary, bay leaf, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through, allowing all the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you desire a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the stew to thicken.
- Add Peas: Add the frozen peas during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking and stir until the peas are heated through, ensuring a pop of color and added sweetness.
- Final Touches: Discard the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to enhance freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a skillet until lightly browned and sauté the onion and garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling and complete meal.
